Bad Dreams (1988): cast, story & where to watch

1988 · Film · ★ 5.7

Bad Dreams poster

Released in 1988, Bad Dreams is a thriller and horror film directed by Andrew Fleming, running about 86 minutes. “When Cynthia wakes up. She'll wish she were dead...” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Unity Field, a "free love" cult from the '70s, is mostly remembered for its notorious mass suicide led by Harris, its charismatic leader. While all members are supposed to burn in a fire together, young Cynthia is spared by chance. Years later, the nightmare of Unity Field remains buried in her mind. But when those around Cynthia start killing themselves, and she begins having visions of Harris, she may be forced to confront the past -- before it confronts her.

Who’s in it. Bad Dreams stars Jennifer Rubin as Cynthia, Bruce Abbott as Dr. Alex Karmen, Richard Lynch as Harris and Dean Cameron as Ralph, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.7/10, Bad Dreams has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response. It went on to earn $9.8M at the box office.

Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bad Dreams page.

If you liked it. Fans of Bad Dreams tend to enjoy The Dark Knight, Pulp Fiction, Parasite and Fight Club.

Frequently asked

Where can I watch Bad Dreams (1988)?
Streaming, rental and purchase options for Bad Dreams change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
Is Bad Dreams worth watching?
Bad Dreams holds an audience score of 5.7 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy thriller and horror. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
Who stars in Bad Dreams?
Bad Dreams stars Jennifer Rubin, Bruce Abbott, Richard Lynch, Dean Cameron and Harris Yulin.
When was Bad Dreams released?
Bad Dreams was released in 1988, with a runtime of about 86 minutes.